ADVERTISEMENT

FG seeks private sector involvement in combating malaria as CAMA calls for more funding

At a forum organised by the Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa (CAMA) as part of activities to mark the World Malaria Day, the Federal Government have called on the private sector involvement in combating malaria in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, stated that the private sector plays an integral role in eliminating the terrible disease from Nigeria.

According to Ehanire, the private sector  can be influential to include innovation, policy, implementation and financing.

The Minister of State for Health enthused that the coming year would be a period of great opportunity for businesses to contribute to rapid acceleration of rate of progress in the global war against malaria.

He also revealed that the federal government is working on primary healthcare system to build up the national healthcare system and part of it is based on the national health act and the basic healthcare provision fund, which is to facilitate setting up healthcare down to the grassroots.

ADVERTISEMENT

"We promised them that we are going to make use of their expertise, efficiency, management skills and their experience on distribution and giving them full partnership in the management of all programmes private sector is working with government," he told newsmen at the forum while speaking on incentives of private sector involvement in funding malaria.

The forum was themed ‘Accelerating investment to bring malaria to zero’ as CAMA sought for more private sector involvement to ensure in eradicating the disease in Africa.

Some of CAMA's sponsors and partners  including Access Bank, Aliko Dangote Foundation were also represented at the forum.

According to Head, Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan who is the Sustainability, Access Bank Plc, substantial malaria control investments have been made in Nigeria within the last decade.

Despite these investments, there are still considerable challenges in addressing the burden of disease and key performance indices are still below expectations.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to her, accelerating investment in malaria in Nigeria and Africa will prevent more than 80 million illnesses and more than 300,000 related deaths annually.

President, GBC Health, Nancy Wildfeir-Field was also at the forum and stated that funding for malaria globally is only at 41 per cent of its 2020 target of $6.5 billion yet almost half of the world’s population is at risk of contracting malaria.

The disease remains a major public health challenge, especially in Africa, which bears nearly 90 per cent of the global share of malaria cases and accounts for 91 per cent of malaria death.

She said Nigeria accounts for the highest number of cases and deaths from malaria in sub-saharan Africa. The economy loses $1.1 billion each year due to malaria-related absenteeism in the workplace and treatment costs.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT